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22 October 2016

REVIEW: Case Logic Ibira Backpack

It's
in the bag.

Backpack
review time again, with another look through the catalogue of Case
Logic. Really expanding their range over the past couple of years,
Case Logic have a backpack, shoulder bag, laptop sleeve and case for
pretty much any gadget and every situation, but we were keen to try
out the new Ibira Backpack.

Very
much a go-to bag for gadget carriers, the Ibira can stow laptops of
up to 15.6 inches, and also 10.1 inch or smaller tablets. As with
other Case Logic bags we've reviewed recently, the main material is
polyester and the whole thing feels very firmly made and securely
stitched together. We were sent the petrol green version, but there
are also blue, black, and grey options, each with contrasting
details.

Instead
of possessing a bog-standard main hold with built-in laptop sleeve,
the Ibira actually has two main compartments, each with their own
zipper. The one closest to your back as you wear the bag is designed
for your computer, and features a thin internal sleeve on both sides
of the opening (the smaller one for a tablet or eReader), and padding
all around. Even with a large laptop in there (we tested it with a
fairly chunky 15 incher) there is plenty of space in the main part of
the pocket for the likes of notebooks, folders, and other work type
stuff.

Moving
forwards, the next pocket is the largest and considered the main
hold. Having a separate laptop section does decrease the internal
space in here, but with your tech catered for in the other bit of the
bag, that leaves this area to be crammed with whatever else you need
on a commute. We stuffed it with a jumper, headphones, power cord for
the laptop, and other bits and bobs. There are also smaller pockets
in there, good for your phone, wallet, or a even a power bank. There
are also a couple of elasticated loops which you could attach your
keys to, or even small tech like flash droves and mp3 players.
Whatevs.

Finally
there are four small external pockets on the Ibira. One is zip-closed
on the very front of the bag, good for easy grab stuff like keys,
cards, and change, while you also get a mesh pocket on either side
for water bottles, umbrellas, tripods, and other stuff. And the
fourth? Well, that is a secret little pocket on the inside back,
hidden under an inconspicuous bit of black elastic. This micro pocket
is good for hiding cash, passports, and whatever you don't want
stolen from the bag, should it ever get rifled through by a cheeky
crim. Damn them!

Other
than that, you get the usual Case Logic comfort, with a padded back
panel and adjustable shoulder straps. The Ibira isn't necessarily a
travelling backpack, nor is it something you'll be taking up a
mountain, but for a sturdy commuting and everyday pack, it's awesome.

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The Test Pit is a place where all manner of things get tested... often to destruction. Gadgets, technology, toys, and clothing - all are fair game in the Pit. Our reviews are honest, jargon-free, and funny. Well, we try...